Newington says Dick's store violates occupancy permit

NEWINGTON — The town is in a tussle with Dick's Sporting Goods over the number of storage trailers outside the retail store at the Crossings at Fox Run.

Joey Cresta

NEWINGTON — The town is in a tussle with Dick's Sporting Goods over the number of storage trailers outside the retail store at the Crossings at Fox Run.

Selectmen took up the matter Monday night, stating their commitment to support the Planning Board in whatever measures it might take to get the sporting goods retailer to come into compliance with town ordinance.

Town Planner Tom Morgan explained that Newington's zoning ordinance allows for only two storage trailers at a business, for no more than 90 days at a time. Dick's has been in violation of the ordinance for months, he said.

According to the minutes from the Jan. 14 Planning Board meeting, Dick's sales manager Paul Aucoin met with the board to discuss the issue. He said that Dick's has had as many as 10 storage trailers behind the store, but had reduced that number to eight.

On Wednesday, it appeared there were six storage trailers behind the store.

Aucoin indicated to the board that the business requires the storage year-round due to a lack of space inside the store. He noted that storage is particularly important in the coming months, as the store must house 500 to 600 canoes and kayaks.

There was some talk at Monday's selectmen's meeting about revoking Dick's occupancy permit if the store fails to come into compliance with town ordinance, but Morgan said Wednesday Town Attorney John Ratigan would be working on the matter before any enforcement action is taken.

Morgan said the town is concerned for a number of reasons, including fire safety and aesthetics. He also said it is a property tax matter because the store is using trailers in lieu of a larger facility that would be taxable by the town.

Morgan said Dick's officials indicated they plan to bring the store into compliance, but the business remains in violation, so planners are examining their options.

Aucoin referred questions to Dick's corporate public relations. A message left on the company's media line voice mail went unreturned on Wednesday.

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